A Place to Be Happy (A St. Thomas Movie) is an exploratory documentary short in which a diverse cast of Virgin Islanders lend their perspective to an examination of life as a child growing up in “America’s Paradise”.
Violence and poverty present real challenges to many of the island’s most vulnerable children and families. Director Chris Bramley weaves some of Rocky City’s most recognizable voices with those of several unsung agents-of-incremental change to reveal a heartwarming, counter narrative that has inspired audiences to take action and make a positive difference in the lives of the children of the Virgin Islands.
This locally funded passion-project is the first release for the newly formed Carib Collective Productions team and Producer Monyka Johnigan. The film celebrates individuals and organizations committed to leaving an indelibly positive impact on the next generation of Virgin Islanders through mentorships in athletics, vocational training and the arts.
“It’s really a shout-out to all the unheralded Virgin Islanders all around us quietly, you know day-by-day, sewing seeds, of not just possibility but excellence,” Johnigan said.
Their team is hoping to screen the film in as many of the Territory’s schools as possible. Antilles is the first school to step up and offer to host a screening of the film. “This was huge in terms of our goals for the film. I am enormously grateful to the Antilles family and Headmaster Michael Hughes for hosting a screening in Prior Hall.,” she added.
In just under an hour (50mins run-time) the film manages to draw from a rich well of policy makers, artists, statistical data, merchants, farmers and more while highlighting four youth centered programs committed to shining light on a pathways the Territory's most precious assets can follow toward the realization of their full potential; and ensuring VI children will always have a place to be happy.

Featured programs in the film include:
Dancing Classrooms Virgin Islands
USVI Boxing Federation
The United Jazz Foundation
My Brother’s Workshop.
The film was completed with sponsorship from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, and with funding from the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts.

Donations are welcomed greatly appreciated and accepted at any point. ALL DONATIONS are split equally between the programs featured and the film production.